Harrison starts as duo axed: Leeds XI v Chelsea predicted by Whelan
Noel Whelan has tipped Marcelo Bielsa to bring Jack Harrison and Rodrigo Moreno back into the Leeds United starting XI against Chelsea.
The former Leeds striker and lifelong fan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Helder Costa and Tyler Roberts had failed to take their chances and deserved to be axed.
Harrison has been benched in place of Costa for the last two games, while Roberts has filled in for the injured Rodrigo for the last four.
Leeds have lost five of their last seven games, including both Harrison failed to start.
Whelan insisted the replacements have failed to take their chance and tipped Bielsa to turn to his “tried and trusted” options instead.
“Everyone’s position is under threat when you’re not performing,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I’d like to think Harrison’s recharging his batteries and has been given that little bit of extra time to recuperate.
“At the end of the day, Helder Costa did nothing to make any decision difficult for Marcelo Bielsa. He gave him another opportunity which he did not take.
“I’d expect Harrison to go straight back and strengthen the Leeds United side. He has been more consistent this season. Yes, he went little bit of a dip across a couple of games.
“However, he then came on as a sub and probably put in the cross of the night (v Aston Villa) for Raphinha. Unfortunately, he didn’t take it.
“I think Harrison comes straight back. Costa’s given nothing to show he deserves to keep that position. Same with Tyler Roberts. They haven’t taken their opportunity, in my opinion, the two lads there.
“Therefore you go back to your tried and trusted which is your Rodrigo’s and your Harrison’s.”
In other news, it may be a “month” before Kalvin Phillips returns to full fitness.